Who We Are

Karen Handley – Co-opted Governor & Joint Chair of Governors

Current term of office: 09/02/2019 - 08/02/2023

I have enjoyed being a governor at Clarendon Primary School since April 2014.  I was initially a parent governor, and now a Co-opted Governor & Joint Chair of Governors.  Two of my children have successfully attended and completed their primary education at Clarendon and my third son has not long started his school journey here too. They have been very lucky to benefit from the excellent education and pastoral care provided as well as the culture of working in partnership with parents and carers. 

Over the years I have enjoyed taking an active role, whenever possible, in the life of the school by helping on school trips, listening to the children read and supporting them during class activities. I have also previously enjoyed being an energetic part of the school’s PA group, helping to organise fundraising events that raise ‘extra’ money for the school to spend on enriching our children’s schooling experiences further. 

As a professional I have had many years’ experience working with children and their families, encouraging them to have an active say in decisions that affect them and their lives.  I believe that as a parent it is important to express our views regarding our children’s education and I strongly believe in the importance of having a parent’s perspective within the school’s governing body.   

I work in education, currently as part of the inclusion and safeguarding team of a large local secondary school, and acknowledge that the safety and wellbeing of the children at Clarendon is paramount in their education. 

I am fully committed to supporting Clarendon as it continues to develop, focusing on continuing to raise standards and encouraging children to achieve the best they can. I enjoy bringing my skills, professional and personal, to this challenging, but rewarding role. 

Matt Edwards – Co-opted Governor & Joint Chair of Governors

Current term of office: 29/11/2020 – 28/11/2024

I joined the governing body at Clarendon Primary School in 2016. Since joining I have enjoyed taking an active role; contributing too many areas of the school, with finance being my main focus. It has been a real pleasure watching the school continue to develop and grow.

I currently have 2 girls at the school, one in year 1 and one in year 5. My eldest son has now left Clarendon after completing 7 happy and enjoyable years here.

In my professional life I am a Business Development Director of a small business; where working to build relationships is key to keeping the business successful. I feel my skills and motivation will help Clarendon continue the development and successes it strives to achieve for all its pupils.

Having now taken on the role of Co-Chair, I am very much looking forward to working in partnership with the school’s leadership team, the staff and the parents alike – to make the school the best it can possibly be for current and future generations.

Rahul Popli – Parent Governor & Vice Chair

Current term of office: 27/11/2017 – 26/11/2021

I joined The Governing Body as an associate in March 2016. My younger boy is currently studying at Clarendon, with my older one now in Secondary having passed out from this very school. My primary objective is to support the school and management team in the excellent work they do. I deeply care about school's ability to continue to provide an environment where pupils are motivated to learn and feel safe.

In my day job, I run a consulting business providing IT services to companies in and around London and South East.

William Neale – Ex Officio Governor and Headteacher

Current term of office: Whilst employed at the school

I have been a teacher now for over 20 years and am passionate about ensuring all children are provided with the best possible opportunities in order to be successful and achieve the very best they can. As a teacher and parent myself, I know how important and precious these formative years are and believe it is important to work in partnership to ensure every child not only enjoys them, but makes the most of every possible opportunity.

During my teaching career I have been lucky enough to have undertaken a range of exciting roles in a variety of primary schools and believe that, whilst sometimes challenging, teaching is one of the most rewarding jobs there is.

During my time at Clarendon, I have enjoyed working as part of the school’s governing body. Whilst providing challenge and support for the work we do, the governors always ensure that the children’s best interests are at the centre of their work and decisions made support the best possible outcomes for all. Whilst it can be a challenge to meet the ever changing demands of a fast moving world and frequently changing educational climate, the governors’ unrelenting focus on this core value ensures the school is always striving to provide the very best we can for all.

Stephanie Russell – Co-opted Governor

Current term of office:  23/11/2020 – 10-11-2024

I joined The Governing Body as a co-opted Governor in November 2020. This is my first governorship post and I am honoured to have been chosen to join this dedicated group. I am a relatively new step-mum to two boys who are currently in primary school, and an aunt to two further boys, one who is in 6th form and the other at university.

I have worked for many years in the private sector for global organisations gaining extensive HR experience which I hope to be able to use to help the school in areas such as performance management, wellbeing, pay reviews and data analytics. I am excited to be able to support the school in meeting (and exceeding) its objectives and to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity be the best they can be. 

Sian Overton – Parent Governor

Current term of office: 27/09/2021 – 27/09/2024

I joined the Governing Body in September 2021 and currently have 2 children that attend the school. By becoming a parent governor, I hope to be able to use my experience in Human Resources management, coaching and leadership development to contribute to the future direction and continued success of the school for all those who pass through it. I see this as a great opportunity to give back to the school and our community and look forward to applying my existing skills as well as learning new ones along the way. 

Simon Cripps – Parent Governor

Current term of office: 27/09/2021 – 27/09/2024

I joined the Governing Body in September 2021 and currently have a child that attends the school. Since my daughter joined the school I have become a member of the PTA, helping at events, working as part of a project team and regularly attending meetings. In my work life I am a business communications professional, driving collaboration, listening and learning in global organisations all of which I believe are also essential in an educational setting. In my role as a parent governor I want children at Clarendon to succeed for years to come. 

Clare Parrish– Staff Governor

Current term of office: 13/01/2023 – 13-01-2026

Before joining Clarendon in 2016, after completing my final year teaching placement, I taught at a Roman Catholic School in Chertsey for 16 years. During my time at this school, I taught children in all year groups and took on the role of Sports Coach; teaching PE to all children across the school. I also ran a very successful School Council.

Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed my time at my first school, after having 2 children myself, I decided to look for a new and exciting challenge in education. As a result, I applied for the role of Deputy Lead in Clarendon’s new Nursery provision. Both my children attended Clarendon at the time; my son was in Year 3 and my daughter in Year 1.

I started at the Nursery in April 2016, when it opened with 15 children. Nearly 7 years later, I am now the Nursey teacher with 50 children on role. I get a great deal of satisfaction from my job and am constantly seeking new ways to improve the quality of our provision.   

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to act as staff governor, help the school to further develop and continue to ‘be the best it can’. I have lots of ideas to share and am enthusiastic about the challenges and opportunities ahead.  

Vacancy – Local Authority Governor

Vacancy – Co-opted Governor

Previous governors standing in the last year:

Kelly Chapman – Staff Governor

Current term of office: 06/12/2019 – 31-12-2022 (Kelly left her role within the school.)

I joined Clarendon Primary School four years ago with over 20 years of experience across Early Years, KS1 and KS2. I served as a school governor for several years in my previous school and embrace the role as someone who can humanise the data, be a voice for the children and my colleagues. As well as teaching, I also hold qualifications in Health and Safety. I am able to utilise this knowledge to support the school in ensuring it is a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for everyone.

Clarendon is a warm, inspiring, driven and nurturing school that supports each child to flourish and meet their potential. I am a proud member of the governing body and I look forward to helping our school to excel in all its endeavours.